Final answer:
Mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes can result in uncontrolled cell division characteristic of cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations that result in uncontrolled cell division characteristic of cancer most often occur in two types of regulatory genes: tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes. When these genes mutate, they can cause cells to divide rapidly and without limits, which may lead to the development of tumors and cancer. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes can result in the uncontrolled cell division characteristic of cancer. Tumor suppressor genes normally prevent cells with damaged DNA from dividing. When mutations occur in these genes, they lose their ability to function properly, allowing cells with damaged DNA to divide. Oncogenes, on the other hand, promote the division of cells with damaged DNA. When proto-oncogenes mutate, they can be converted into oncogenes, stimulating cell division even when it is undesirable to do so.